How Many Layers Are Best in an Engineered Plank?

GoHaus sells engineered wood only, and we have made the decision to do this for two reasons:

The structural stability is greater in an engineered plank.

It’s a more sustainable way to harvest wood for flooring.

Engineered wood is built in layers, which gives it added stability in regions that experience significant changes in humidity. The layers are a cross-ply construction, meaning each layer is laid in the opposite direction of the other. Therefore, the layers will not expand or shrink drastically in response to the moisture present.

A very common question we get from clients is, “how many layers of wood are best for a high-quality engineered wood plank?”

GoHaus sells engineered wood in 3-ply and 7-ply planks, both high-quality and with its own merits.

GoHaus balanced 3-ply engineered floors are made with a top and bottom wood layer of similar thicknesses with a thicker core. The middle core is softer material running in the opposite grain direction as the top and bottom layers. The result is the top and bottom layers will expand and contract at the same rate. Such construction can allow wider widths and longer lengths with minimal expansion and contraction.

Cross-ply multi-layered engineered floors also reduce the amount of expansion and contraction that is typical of a solid hardwood floor. The cross-ply layers add dimensional stability and a resistance to denting from heavy object impact.

Both constructions are indicative of high quality engineered floors and will perform similarly over time. The 3-ply will expand and contract minimally, but potentially more stably over time in wider and longer products. The multi-layered engineered has a slight advantage with the resistance to denting over time. Either advantage is nominal and may not be evident in an environment where the floors are maintained properly.

If you have questions about any of our engineered wood floors, please call us at 844-334-2877.